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WHAT BIKE FOR SHORT PERSON? WHAT BIKE FOR SHORT PERSON?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 27 Feb 2002
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WHAT BIKE FOR SHORT PERSON?
I am planning a 6-12 month trip leaving the UK next spring (2003). I want to get the bike I'm going to use quite soon to have a year of getting used to it, but am at a total loss as to which one. I currently ride a very heavy 650 BSA twin so that will have to go, but the more research I do the more confused I get. Factors to bear in mind are:
I'm quite short (5'4") and I want something quite light but not too underpowered. My planned route is currently Canada, USA, South America, Oz. I imagine I will be mostly riding on sealed roads but I want the option of going off road too. I would also prefer something mechanically simple. I guess ideally I want a 350-500cc dual sports bike with a low seat height so any suggestions along those lines would be gratefully received. Cheers, Lois
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  #2  
Old 2 Mar 2002
dav dav is offline
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Look into the bmw f650-either the "old" carb version or the new f.i. GS model
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  #3  
Old 2 Mar 2002
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Hi

I am the same height and have the F650 Dakar, but would most definately recommend the the one of the ordinary f650's they are very low and enough grunt for overlanding.

I have used them off road and although heavy they will do the job.

Julio
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  #4  
Old 25 Mar 2002
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Lois:

Some links that may be useful to you:

Home of the Short Bikers

Short Bikers Mailing List

Note also that you can take your motorcycle seat to a company that does custom saddle work and very often have 1 to 1.5 inches taken off the saddle height, with an increase in comfort. At the same time, the saddle can be narrowed if you wish. These two actions, combined, can make a big difference. You might find that you can comfortably handle a heavier motorcycle if the seat height is lower. To test this theory, just go to a Harley dealership and try (in the showroom) throwing a leg over one of their models that has a low seat height. The 886 Sportster is a good example.

FWIW, although I am 5' 10", I am having the seat height dropped by an inch on my ST1100 PanEuropean, to make handling easier when I am stopped or moving around in parking lots.
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